Georgian Holy Island Fossil Fob
RESERVED
An intriguing Georgian spinner fob pendant set with a 300 million year old fossil - one of the holy objects known as St Cuthbert's Beads (or Cuddy's Beads). These fossils, known as crinoid columnals are found on Lindisfarne (aka Holy Island) and have a legend associating them with Saint Cuthbert and the rosary, one that can be traced back as far as 1671. Quarry workers and religious pilgrims would bring home rosaries made up entirely of these remarkable fossils, which is likely why such a strong link between the 7th century bishop of Lindisfarne (St. Cuddy), and these ancient relics of our pre-historic past.
Crinoids, along with starfish, sand dollars, and sea urchins, belong to the phylum Echinodermata, and mostly they comprise a main body section that's raised above the seabed on a columnar stem. This fossil is a segment of that stem, with a neat pentagonal star at its heart. It's been mounted in a high-carat spinner fob, and the words St Cuthbert / Holy Island engraved into the bezel. Likely commissioned by an 18th century visitor to the Holy Island, circa 1790. In other parts of the UK they're known as 'Fairy Money'.
Era: Georgian, circa 1790
Size: 2.8cm by 2.2cm
Stone: St Cuthbert's Bead (crinoid columnal)
Marks: None, tested as 15ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition with gorgeous patina
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of the page.
info@lostowl.com